The emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah, today ordered the national guard and security forces to take "all necessary measures" to maintain security in the Gulf state.

The order was issued in a statement by the cabinet, which held an emergency meeting chaired by the emir today, one day after protesters calling for the resignation of the prime minister stormed the parliament building.

Dozens of protesters, including some opposition lawmakers, smashed the gate to the parliament building late on November 16 and broke into the main chamber, where they sang the national anthem before leaving.

It was said to be the most serious protest so far in the Gulf nation, which has not seen mass protests inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings.

The prime minister, an influential member of the ruling Sabah family, has been accused by opposition lawmakers of corruption.